Duke is one of the better known schools in the South even if you don't live in North Carolina. Yes, it is known for its sports teams (The Blue Devils) but it also has a stellar reputation for academics. If someone told me they were thinking of going to Duke I would tell them to go for it. Having a degree from Duke has a certain prestige that I would be happy to have on my resume.
For the record, Duke is not an ivy league school -- but be aware that the term "Ivy League" merely refers to the athletic conference (Duke is in the ACC).
The name DUKE will carry you far. It is one of the top universities in the nation. This paralegal program was reviewed & approved by Duke about 7-8 years ago. They would not put their name on it if it was a load of bullshit. Granted, it is NOT a degree program, but you will get a great education.
You have 24/7 access to the Duke Law Library. You have knowledgable professors who are licenced attorneys with teaching experience.
Also -- Here is the CORRECT info about the program.
Cost: $5,395, with about $600 for books.
An Associates or Bachelors degree from an accredited university (transcripts required).
You can choose between the online program, or the on-campus program, which gives you access to ALL the benefits that the university has to offer.
They continually add to the program based on recognized needs of law firms (such as notary training).
Overall - This program is INCREDIBLY worth the time, money & investment for your future.
Name: Correction
Post On: November 8, 2010
Grade: B
I'm not a graduate of the program...but FYI Duke is definitely NOT part of the Ivy League.
Name: PKS
Post On: October 5, 2010
Grade: C
I believe the Duke U. Paralegal program is the same program that the University of Miami uses. I graduated from the University of Miami paralegal program. Assuming its one in the same, these are self-contained programs that are developed by an outside company created by two former paralegals. The instructional materials (written by the outside entity) contain some practical content but are sloppy and not well-written. The instructors for the courses are usually lawyers from the surrounding community, not university faculty. That means you MAY get an instructor who is particularly good at teaching the subject matter or you may end up with one that's appallingly bad (I had both at Miami). My conclusion: a handful of elite, private universities, (Emory, Rice, Miami, Duke and a few others), stamp their name on this pre-packaged program to attract students. They then run the program as a cash cow for the university. The programs are short, expensive and in no way "academic" plus you do not have access to university resources and services such as career planning, etc. Based on my experience at Miami, your time and money are better spent invested in a paralegal program that's truly part of the university instead of a purely money making venture.
Name: GoBlueDevils
Post On: February 1, 2010
Grade: A
Duke University is an Ivy League school consistently ranked in the top 50 best colleges in the USA for academics (not to mention basketball). This is not just some online college that advertises on matchbooks. It is amazing that they offer a 100% online paralegal program. Definitely consider this college if credibility is important to you and you want a law firm to take you seriously when you graduate. Brand name is important in legal education. Why not get educated by the best?
